Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. It’s not about muscle weakness but rather how the brain processes information, leading to difficulties in planning and executing physical tasks. People with dyspraxia might struggle with things like balance, fine motor skills (e.g., writing or tying shoelaces), or gross motor skills (e.g., running or catching a ball). It can also impact speech, organisation, and even social skills in some cases.

 

It’s typically lifelong, often diagnosed in childhood, though adults can have it too—sometimes undiagnosed. The exact cause isn’t fully pinned down, but it’s thought to involve differences in how the brain’s motor neurons develop. It’s not tied to intelligence; someone with dyspraxia can be brilliant but still knock over their coffee trying to pick it up.